Troy Davis Story: Witnesses Describe Killing as 'Most Unusual' Execution
Journalist Rhonda Cook from Atlanta Journal Constitution and Greg Bluestein from the Associated Press were witnesses to the execution of Troy Davis Wednesday night, and in the aftermath of Davis’ death they have been telling their story.
Cook and Bluestein were among five reporters selected to witness the execution.
Bluestein said, “It didn't take long to notice Troy Davis' execution was different from the others I've covered. As I drove up to the prison, I could see the crowds of protesters and a group of at least 50 reporters.”
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He added: “I've covered about 10 executions in Georgia. None of them are easy. This was by far the most unusual.”
Cook meanwhile told reporters: “As the officer called our names, we lined up and left the room where we had waited for so long, oblivious to the last-ditch effort to spare Davis and the police presence and protests beyond the prison's walls.”
Cook reported that the execution process began with Warden Carl Humphrey reading the execution order signed by Chatham County Judge Penny Haas Freesmann.
He then asked Davis if he had any final words, to which he replied yes.
Davis then looked at and addressed the victim’s family saying, “I’m sorry for your loss. I did not personally kill your son, father and brother. I am innocent.”
He asked his family and friends to continue looking for the truth and told the prison officials, “May God have mercy on your souls. May God bless your souls.”
It took 14 minutes for Davis to die after being administered the lethal injection which was given in three-stages.
